NBA Rumors: Latest Chatter from Around the Association

Lost in the mass hysteria about the Los Angeles Lakers' early struggles and the excitement surrounding the surging New York Knicks is the fact that the NBA rumor mill has fired up right along with the on-court storylines.

Though the speculation about the draft class of 2009 has come and gone, there are still free agents looking for jobs and under-the-radar trade talk going on behind the scenes.

We're obviously nowhere near the apex points of February or July, but with teams finally seeing their deficiencies in game action, smaller moves are surely oncoming as the squads look to adjust.

With that in mind, here's a look at the latest rumors flying around the Association.

Antonio McDyess Considering Coming out of Retirement?

Last seen as a member of the San Antonio Spurs in 2010-11, retired power forward Antonio McDyess is considering making a comeback to the NBA, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

After sitting out a season in retirement, former All-Star forward Antonio McDyess is contemplating a return to the NBA.

McDyess, 38, has been working out in Houston and has instructed his agent, Andy Miller, to gauge league interest in him.

Though he's 38 years old and had only limited effectiveness with the Spurs, McDyess should expect no shortage of suitors if he does decide to lace his shoes back up. As a smart, experienced defensive presence in the middle, McDyess' skill set is a rare commodity in the Association nowadays.

Nonetheless, don't expect the aging forward to just come back to any squad that will have him. Championship contention will be a must, meaning that McDyess' management will only gauge the interest of a select few teams.

As for the best option? Teaming up with LeBron James and the Miami Heat or a return to San Antonio both sound like solid options to me.

Kenyon Martin Still Won't Take the Minimum?

Unquestionably the most talented player left languishing on the free-agent market is Kenyon Martin, who, like McDyess, is the type of elite on-ball defender teams desperately need.

However, Martin steadfastly refused to take a veteran's minimum contract during the offseason and continues to balk at the notion now, according to Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy:

Teams want Kenyon Martin, but he won't sign for the minimum. That's why someone like Troy Murphy just got signed while Martin sits at home.

On one hand, I understand Martin's frustration. He's obviously a $2-3 million per year player, even at his diminished skill level. And I support Martin trying to get his worth because, by all means, get your paper, boo boo.

Unfortunately, there is almost no money available for Martin to make at this point. Nearly all contending teams have their cap space locked up for the season, and it makes little sense for a non-contender to bring in a minute-usurping veteran.

With that factored in, it may behoove Martin just to take the next contract offer he gets. Every week that passes incrementally decreases the amount of money Martin would make on a prorated contract.

If he really wants to play this season, Martin will take the minimum and hope to get with a championship contender. If he wants to chase money that will never come, well, at least we'll always have the free-agent market in NBA 2K13, Kenyon.

Bulls Want to Move Hamilton, Get Rebuffed?

It's been a solid start to the 2012-13 season for Richard Hamilton, whose struggles in his first season with the Chicago Bulls were well-documented.

Those struggles last season (along with Hamilton's hefty price tag) are the overarching reason the Bulls have made no secret that they would be open to a trade. However, there seems to be no takers, according to the New York Daily News' Mitch Lawrence: "It’s really no surprise, but the Bulls are having no luck trying to move Richard Hamilton, whose $5 million in 2012-13 is fully guaranteed."

Depending on how the season goes, that could be a blessing in disguise for Chicago. At 2-1, the team has fared rather well without Derrick Rose, and if the Bulls can stay around .500 without their star, a deep playoff run is not out of the question.

In that case, Hamilton could become an integral force on the offense. With a mere $1 million buyout facing Chicago in the offseason, it may be best just to hold onto Hamilton and move on without a trade.